22 MARCH 2025
Ride to Support Mental Health!
"The Tour" as it is affectionately known, is the brainchild of a group of local cyclists with a passion for their community and the future of its youth. Established in 2017, the Tour aims to raise community awareness regarding youth mental health, allowing for education and de-stigmatisation of mental illness. Funds raised from the ride go to support mental health projects including Blackwood Youth Action, a local not for profit group, to provide counselling to young people across the Warren Blackwood region and the Bridgetown Greenbushes Suicide Prevention Network who's mission is to create a community that is resilient, cohesive, and inclusive, where people are equipped with the necessary resources, support, and information to help those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have been affected by suicide.
BYA
Blackwood Youth Action is a local charity that supports marginalised young people in the Warren Blackwood Region and surrounds to "be the best they can be".
Mental illness is the leading cause of death in young people in Australia. In the Warren Blackwood region, young people with mental health problems have extremely limited access to services to support them. The majority of our youth with emerging or mild/moderate mental health problems would not have access locally to psychological support without the support provided by the Rotary Tour of the Blackwood.
Funds raised from the Tour of the Blackwood support the provision of individualised counselling for youth with mental illness living within the Warren Blackwood region.
On behalf our our youth...our future...thank you for taking part in this ride.
BGSPN
The vision of the BGSPN is to create a community that is resilient, cohesive, and inclusive, where people are equipped with the necessary resources, support, and information to help those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have been affected by suicide.
The BGSPN strives to create a safe and supportive community where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to seek help and offer support to others.
The mission of the BGSPN is to promote community wellbeing and prevent suicide by raising awareness, building capacity, fostering collaboration, and improving access to services.
BGSPN aims to educate and engage all sectors of the community on suicide prevention through the provision of training and collaboration with key stakeholders to improve access to mental health and suicide prevention services. By increasing public knowledge and understanding of mental health and suicide prevention, the BGSPN aims to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help when needed.
Our Valued Tour Patron: Professor Fiona Stanley AC
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Professor Stanley is a highly respected researcher and advocate for child and adolescent health. The Rotary Club is honoured to have her accept the invitation to take on the position of Patron of the Ride.
Professor Stanley said: “Across Australia, one in four young people will suffer a mental illness this year, with only a quarter of these receiving professional help. Young people in rural Australia do not have access to the same services that their regional and city counterparts do. It is pleasing to see innovative, community driven projects to support young people to get the care that they need.”
“I am excited to support this community initiative, and look forward to cycling some of the hills of scenic Bridgetown”.
We look forward to having you back in beautiful Bridgetown again, Fiona!
